Rakow vs Arda Prediction & Betting Tips (21 August)

Raków Częstochowa and Arda Kardzhali are set to clash in the second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League play-off, with the Polish side holding a slight edge in form and firepower. Raków recently bounced back from a home defeat to Maccabi Haifa with a convincing 2–0 away win, showcasing their resilience and tactical flexibility under coach Dawid Szwarga. The squad features a balanced mix of experience and youth, with players like Vladan Kovačević in goal and Ivi López in midfield providing stability and creativity. Their recent domestic form has been inconsistent, but their European performances suggest they’re peaking at the right time.

Arda, on the other hand, have been quietly impressive throughout the qualifiers, dispatching Kauno Žalgiris and surviving a tense two-legged affair against HJK Helsinki. Coach Alexander Tunchev has instilled a disciplined structure, relying on a compact defense led by veterans like Plamen Krachunov and Emil Viyachki. In attack, Birsent Karagaren and Svetoslav Kovachev have chipped in with crucial goals, though the team still lacks a consistent finisher. Their home form has been solid, and playing at Arena Arda could give them a psychological edge, especially with the crowd behind them.



In terms of squad updates, both teams are expected to field their strongest lineups. Raków have no major injury concerns, and their midfield trio of Jean Carlos Silva, Ben Lederman, and Giannis Papanikolaou is likely to dictate the tempo. Arda’s lineup remains stable, with Anatoli Gospodinov in goal and David Idowu anchoring the midfield. The Bulgarian side will need to be clinical with their chances, as Raków’s pressing game can quickly turn defense into attack. Tactical discipline and set-piece execution will be key for Arda if they hope to overturn the deficit.

Given the momentum and overall squad depth, Raków are tipped to edge this encounter with a 2–1 victory. Arda’s defensive grit will keep the game tight, but Raków’s superior transitional play and individual quality should prove decisive. Expect a tense, tactical battle with moments of brilliance from both sides, but ultimately, Raków’s European experience and attacking sharpness should see them through to the group stage.

• Summary: Raków Częstochowa is going head to head with Arda Kardzhali starting on 21 Aug 2025 at 19:00 UTC at Miejski Stadion Piłkarski Raków w Częstochowie stadium, Czestochowa city, Poland. The match is a part of the UEFA Europa Conference League, Qualification Playoff .
• Referee: Michal Očenáš
• Rakow Feedinco Rating: 6.88
• Arda Feedinco Rating: 6.75